Address Awkward Directly

A story about an executive coach named Glow who demonstrates how to create authentic connections by directly addressing uncomfortable situations, even with high-level executives.

Key Principles of Glow's Approach

• Forces executives out of logical/surface-level communication
• Makes people be "real" and more human in professional settings
• Addresses uncomfortable situations directly that others avoid
• Gets people to express genuine feelings, including negative ones

Technique Examples

• Directly calls out physical behaviors others won't mention
  • Example: Pointed out CEO's nervous neck-grabbing tick that no one else would address
  • Shows willingness to break social norms for authentic communication

Why It Works

• Creates psychological safety by modeling direct communication
• Breaks through typical executive meeting dynamics
  • Moves past standard "Type A" business discussions
  • Forces discussion beyond goals, plans, and surface-level topics
• Enables genuine emotional expression
  • Allows people to voice frustrations
  • Creates space for real human connection

Implementation Context

• Used successfully in executive team building
• Applied during off-sites and team meetings
• Particularly effective with high-level leadership teams
• Requires experience and authority to execute well
• Built trust over long-term relationships (14+ years with some executives)

The key insight is that addressing awkward or uncomfortable situations directly, rather than ignoring them, creates more authentic and effective professional relationships - even at the highest levels of business.